CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns didn't pursue a big-name defensive lineman in free agency such as Buffalo's Jerry Hughes, but they wrapped up their own, promising young Hughes --John -- to a long-term deal.

The club signed the 2012 third-round pick to a four-year extension worth $14.4 million, including $3.56 million guaranteed and a $2.5 million signing bonus. The maximum value of the deal, if he hits all of his incentives, is $15 million

Even if the defensive tackle (6-2, 320) doesn't get the extra cash, his $4.8 million a year average still puts him in the top 20 of defensive tackles in the NFL. It's a huge accomplishment for a player who's selection at No. 87 overall in 2012 was blasted from coast-to-coast as a wasted pick. The extension came with a year left on his contract.

"It's an amazing feeling," Hughes said in a Browns release.. "For the Cleveland Browns to have the faith in me and believe in me to sign me a year early, it's just a great feeling."

The deal also comes after a season in which he was limited to just five games -- three starts -- because of injuries. He missed the first two with a hamstring injury and then eight games with a torn medial collateral ligament. He returned for the season finale in Baltimore, starting at nosetackle and registering a season-high seven tackles and quarterback hit.

"I feel like not just me, but the team has a lot to prove," Hughes said. "I feel like we have a lot to do."

The deal with Hughes, 25, helps make up for the loss of defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin, who's walking away as an unrestricted free agent.

"Pound for pound, John is one of the most productive linemen the Browns have,'' said his Cleveland-based agent Vince Calo. "When Rubin was in his prime, John is kind of a similar player, and I think the Browns saw that.''

Hughes, who was born and raised in the Columbus area and played at Cincinnati, is thrilled to be playing for his hometown team.

"Being Ohio-raised my entire life, being a Browns fan growing up and being able to live my dream out means everything," Hughes said.

Despite starting only four games his first two seasons, Hughes recorded 34 tackles and three sacks as a rookie, and 48 tackles and one sack in his second season. He was slated for a large role in the Browns' defense in 2014 until injuries thwarted those plans.

But after finishing last in the league in defense, the Browns are counting on Big John to help shore it up.